Friday 12 August 2011

Volvo S80

                                                                  Volvo S80
                                                           Rs 3,800,000* - Rs 4,450,000







The first generation S80 is based on the Ford D3 platform. More than 368,000 first generation S80s were built before the introduction of the new model. The Volvo S80 was introduced in 1998 and was brought to India only recently. This S80 saloon, being Volvo's flagship model has held fort for the company for many years in the world market.

Design

For Volvo, the S80 was a major step forward into the age of modern car design, particularly with the use of canbus multiplex wiring. It is said that the S80 has more than 40 onboard computers, with at least one in every door. A popular expression says there's more electronics in the S80 than in the F15 fighter. The first generation was notable for being one of the first Volvos to depart from the company's traditionally very boxy, conservative styling. The S80's styling, with its pronounced beltlines and tail lights that narrow and go from curves to points as they go up, was later adopted throughout the Volvo line, especially on the S60 and S40 saloons. The first generation Volvo S80 had one of the highest crash test ratings in the world for five years.

Powertrain

The car comes with three engine options, the D5, the 3.2 L I-6 and the 4.4 L V8 engine. The 2.5-litre Inline-five cylinder common rail diesel engine delivers 202 bhp. The 3.2L I-6 variant petrol engine generates 235 bhp. The 4.4L V-8 petrol engine produces 311 bhp. All the variants have a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission. The D5 and 3.2L I-6 variants come in a front-wheel-drive configuration with the option of an all-wheel-drive configuration, while the 4.4L V-8 variant comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system. The all new S80 is the first Volvo model to feature Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Collision Warning and Brake Support (CWBS). Adaptive cruise control helps ensure comfort and relaxed driving by letting the driver select the desired speed and the minimum time gap to the vehicle in front of them. When a radar sensor detects a slower vehicle in front of them, Adaptive Cruise Control adapts to that vehicle by applying the brakes as necessary. As the Collision Warning System senses an impending collision, it alerts with a flashing light on the windshield and an audible alarm. Meanwhile Brake Support offers additional assistance by preparing the braking system so that the car can begin stopping faster and avoid a potentially dangerous situation before it happens. Volvo S80 is also available with a new safety innovation called Blind Spot Information System which senses when a person enters the drivers blind spot and Active Bi-Xenon Lights (ABL) to illuminate around curves in the dark.

Styling and Competition

The front of the S80 has a chrome trimmed black grille embedded with a Volvo badge flanked by some well designed headlights. Fog and cornering lamps in the front spoiler improve the visibility when driving in conditions with low visibility. The triangular shaped red tail lamps and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets give the rear a completely different look. 

The interior of the car is elegant and boasts of some luxurious amenities and an emphasis on driver comfort. All panels and door sides are crafted with energy-absorbing materials to minimize the risk of injury in case of emergency situations. The seats too add to the comfort and make the ride an enjoyable one. With a telescopic steering wheel, the comfort of the person driving the vehicle too is taken into consideration. The rear seat space in the car too is good and a park assist camera is mounted in the boot lid that enhances the  field of vision behind the car. Volvo's advanced communication and navigation systems feature a dual band integrated GSM phone, an RTI navigation system and a Bluetooth hands-free system. 

The S80 offers a wide range of wheel choices with 17” and 18” alloy wheels and the customer can actually choose among the many options. The S80 comes with a cabin filter system, an interior air quality system, a power glass sunroof, multifunctional power adjustable heated door mirrors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, high performance audio system that includes RDS radio, 8-speakers, and an MP3 and WMA compatible CD player. 

The S80 also has the top-of-the line safety features, which includes a DSTC anti-skid system, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with hydraulic brake assist (HBA). The ready alert brakes (RAB), a side impact protection system (SIPS), dual-stage airbags, driver and front passenger dual-chamber side airbags, a whiplash protection system (WHIPS) just add to the comfort of the passengers mindset. An engine immobiliser and theft-protected locks, and a remote-controlled central locking system too just add to the comfort. The S80 will face competition from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 series but with safety features like these, it is only time that it surpasses this competition. The only problem with Volvo in India though is that it has only 10 dealers here. 

Dimensions and Weights
Overall Length (mm)
4851
Overall Width (mm)
1861
Overall Height (mm)
1493
Wheel Base (mm)
2835
Front Track (mm)
1588
Rear Track (mm)
1585
Boot Space (liter)
480
Kerb Weight (kg)
1653
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)
2150
No of Doors
4

Fuel Economy
Mileage Highway (km/liter)
10
Mileage City (km/liter)
6.4
Mileage Overall (km/liter)
7.12

Capacities
Seating Capacity (person)
5
Fuel Tank Capacity (liter)
70

Performance
Maximum Speed
240Km/Hour
0-100kmph
7.9seconds
1/4 Mile
seconds

Engine
Engine Type/Model
6-cylinder, 3.2L Petrol
Displacement cc
3192
Power (PS@rpm)
238PS @6200rpm
Torque (Nm@rpm)
320Nm @3200rpm
Valve Mechanism
DOHC
Bore (mm)
84
Stroke (mm)
96
Compression Ratio
:1
No of Cylinders (cylinder)
6
Cylinder Configuration
Valves per Cylender (value)
4
Fuel Type
Petrol
Fuel System

Transmission
Transmission Type
Automatic
Gears/Speeds
6Gears
Clutch Type
Final Reduction Gear Ratio

Suspensions
Front Suspension
McPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Coil Spring

Steering
Steering Type
Rack & Pinion, Power-assisted
Power Assisted
Standard
Minimum Turning Radius (meter)
5.9

Brakes
Front Brakes
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brakes
Ventilated Disc

Wheels and Tyres
Wheel Type
Alloy
Wheel Size
17 inch
Tyres
225/50 R17 W

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